São Paulo fines over 40 establishments for curfew violation

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – According to the state government, the establishments were found in violation of the rule restricting circulation, opening hours or the rules that require the mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing inside the venues. The inspection is a joint operation between the Health Surveillance Agency, the State Police and PROCON-SP.

Restaurants located in Jardim América and Vila Olimpia, in the South Zone, which gathered approximately 200 people, were cleared and closed. In Penha, in the East Zone of the capital, a senior citizens ball, which assembled more than 190 people, was closed.

In addition to the scheduled inspections, the Health Surveillance intervention may also be conducted as a result of complaints. The State Health Secretariat provides two reporting lines that can be used at any time, 24 hours a day, by phone 0800 771 3541 or by e-mail.

Non-compliance with the rules can result in a fine of up to R$290,000 for establishments, according to the Sanitary Code. For failure to wear a face mask, which is mandatory, the fine amounts to R$5,278 per establishment, per offender. Citizens in public spaces may also be fined R$551 for failure to wear the protection.

Last week, the state government announced the stepping up of enforcement on the restrictions in the period between 11 PM and 5 AM, naming the operation “curfew call.”

The restriction on circulation is applicable to any non-essential activity and any crowding in public spaces, such as commercial establishments, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, within the criteria established by the São Paulo Plan.

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